USA TODAY's Steven Ruiz ranked five young players he expects to have breakout NFL seasons this year. Among those listed is former East Chicago and Purdue star Kawann Short.

The Panthers doubled up on defensive tackles at the top of last year's draft, and the move has paid off. First-round pick Star Lotulelei was inserted into the starting lineup from Day 1 and was a strong candidate for rookie of the year. Kawann Short earned more playing time as the season progressed an made an impact on the league's second-ranked defense. Short was seen as a pass-rushing tackle, but during his rookie campaign, he showed he had the ability to blow up opposing running games. Carolina may have another star on an already strong defensive line.

Offseason talk: "I'd love to see them take another step," Panthers coach Ron Rivera told the team's website. "They both had their moments last year where they both kind of petered out. Everybody talks about rookie walls, and I do agree. I thought K.K. started slow, but I expect him to start fast this year and maintain. I expect Star to pick up right where he was and not have a lull.

Another former Purdue defender is looking to have a better 2014 as Ryan Kerrigan returned to Muncie this week where the Star Press' Ben Breiner caught up with the Redskins linebacker.

Bend It Like Lauren

US women's national team member and former Ben Davis star Lauren Holiday (Cheney) made SportsCenter's Top 10 plays of the week as her corner kick curved directly in for a goal in a match between Sky Blue FC and FC Kansas City on Sunday.